Sixteen manufacturers turned up to measure the all-new ’13 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport during last week's SEMA Measuring Session at Hyundai Motor America – Service Center, in Fountain Valley, California, who were eager to obtain the specs needed to prepare parts for a vehicle that is projected to be a hit with enthusiasts.

“Hyundai is placing an increased emphasis on accessories and encourages SEMA members to develop accessories for both the two-row Santa Fe Sport and three-row Santa Fe,” said Mike Nino, manager, accessory planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Hyundai anticipates significantly higher sales for the all-new Santa Fe, especially for three-row models. Lastly, Hyundai accessory revenue per unit sold is higher for its CUVs than for any other class of vehicles, and we expect Santa Fe application rates to be at above historical average levels.”

The ’13 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport is equipped with either a 2.4L GDI DOHC 16-valve, four-cylinder engine that produces 190 hp, or a 2.0L turbo GDI DOHC 16-valve, four-cylinder engine that puts out 264 hp. Each is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. A panoramic sunroof and power tailgate are available options. According to Hyundai, an extended-wheelbase, seven-passenger version will be available in early 2013.

Travis Ginter, product coordinator for K&N Engineering, attended the ’13 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport Measuring Session to see if K&N could create a replacement to the OE air filter. “After removing the OE air filter, I ran the OE part number through our database to see if we had an existing product for the vehicle, which in this case, we didn't,” said Ginter. “After I found out if the air filter was new, I took measurements and photos of the air box and air filter design, and then ordered the air filter and air box. We will now start development of a new lifetime replacement air filter for the ’13 Hyundai Santa Fe line.”

Measuring Sessions have also been a valuable part of SEMA’s Tech Transfer program, which grants SEMA manufacturing members access to vehicle CAD files provided directly from participating OEMs. The intent of the program is to help streamline production by minimizing or completely eliminating the necessity for reverse engineering. Chrysler, Ford, General Motors and Scion are currently participating in the program. SEMA Measuring Sessions and Tech Transfer Program are functions of SEMA's OEM department.

In addition to access to upcoming vehicles, SEMA Measuring Session participants can also ask questions of the participating OEM staff to learn more about the vehicles, the automaker's marketing plans, the intended audience and more.

The next SEMA Measuring Session features the ’13 Dodge Dart compact sedan. SEMA is also importing the Toyota HiLux to the United States as part of a new program to provide SEMA
members access to vehicles that are popular overseas but not sold
in the United States. Four Measuring Sessions will be held in various locations, including two at SEMA's headquarters in Diamond Bar, California.